Nursing Elites

1. A client is receiving continuous enteral feedings through a nasogastric tube. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Elevate the head of the bed to 30°
• B. Flush the tube with 50 mL of water every 2 hours
• C. Replace the feeding bag and tubing every 72 hours
• D. Check the client's gastric residual every 8 hours

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Elevating the head of the bed to 30° is the correct action to take when a client is receiving continuous enteral feedings through a nasogastric tube. This position helps prevent aspiration of the enteral feedings into the lungs, reducing the risk of aspiration pneumonia. Additionally, elevating the head of the bed promotes proper digestion and absorption of the feedings by utilizing gravity to facilitate movement into the stomach and through the gastrointestinal tract. Flushing the tube with water every 2 hours (Choice B) is not necessary for continuous feedings and may disrupt the feeding schedule. Replacing the feeding bag and tubing every 72 hours (Choice C) is not the standard recommendation unless there are specific concerns or complications. Checking the client's gastric residual every 8 hours (Choice D) is important but not the immediate action needed to prevent aspiration during enteral feedings.

2. A healthcare professional is preparing to insert an IV catheter for an older adult client. Which of the following actions should the professional take?

• A. Shave the hair at the insertion site.
• B. Insert the catheter at a 45-degree angle.
• C. Place the client’s arm in a dependent position.
• D. Use a tourniquet to dilate the veins.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Placing the client’s arm in a dependent position is the correct action when preparing to insert an IV catheter in an older adult client. This position helps dilate the veins naturally by using gravity, making it easier to locate and access suitable veins for the IV catheter insertion. By positioning the arm in a dependent position, the healthcare professional can take advantage of gravity to increase venous distention, aiding in successful IV catheter insertion.

3. When preparing to insert an NG tube for a client who requires gastric decompression, which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Position the client with the head of the bed elevated to 30° prior to insertion
• B. Measure the tube from the client's nose to the earlobe to the xiphoid process
• C. Lubricate the entire length of the tube with water-soluble lubricant
• D. Instruct the client to cough during insertion

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Measuring the tube from the client's nose to the earlobe to the xiphoid process ensures the tube is inserted to the correct depth. This measurement helps prevent complications such as tube misplacement or lung insertion. Positioning the client with the head of the bed elevated to 30° is important to facilitate easier insertion but is not the most crucial step. Lubricating the entire length of the tube with water-soluble lubricant is essential for smooth insertion but is not the most critical action. Instructing the client to cough during insertion is not necessary and may lead to unnecessary discomfort.

4. When planning to perform a sterile dressing change for a client, which of the following actions should a healthcare professional take?

• A. Wear sterile gloves to remove the old dressing.
• B. Cleanse the wound with an antiseptic solution.
• C. Use clean gloves to apply the new dressing.
• D. Open sterile supplies before donning sterile gloves.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Opening sterile supplies before donning sterile gloves is a critical step in maintaining the sterility of the supplies during a dressing change procedure. By doing so, the healthcare professional ensures that they do not touch non-sterile surfaces with their hands once sterile gloves are worn, reducing the risk of introducing pathogens to the wound and minimizing the potential for contamination.

5. When planning care for a client with a pressure ulcer, which intervention should the nurse include in the plan?

• A. Massage the reddened area.
• B. Apply a donut-shaped cushion.
• C. Reposition the client every 3 hours.
• D. Use a transparent film dressing.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct intervention for a client with a pressure ulcer is to use a transparent film dressing. This dressing provides a protective barrier against external contaminants while allowing for wound inspection, promoting healing. Massaging the reddened area can cause further damage to the skin and should be avoided. Donut-shaped cushions can increase pressure on the ulcer site rather than alleviate it. Repositioning the client every 2 hours is a preventive measure for pressure ulcers, but once an ulcer has developed, using a transparent film dressing is a more appropriate intervention to facilitate healing and protect the wound site.

Similar Questions